Neurology

Brain Aneurysm

Definition

Brain aneurysm, known also as intracranial or cerebral aneurysm, is a protruding bubble or sac on a weak area of a brain artery. Aneurysms balloon out over time and have a tendency to rupture causing blood to leak (hemorrhage) into and around vital brain structures.

A large cerebral aneurysm at the junction of the right internal carotid and anterior cerebral arteries.

Causes

The cause of aneurysm formation is open to debate. However, brain aneurysm may result from a small area of weakness or thinning near a branch point of the blood vessel, most commonly at the base of the brain.

Risks

A number of factors may increase the risk of aneurysm formation, including:

The main risk of an aneurysm is rupture and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Factors that increase the risk of rupture are:

Age

High blood pressure

Alcohol and drug abuse (especially cocaine)

Cigarette smoking

Size, shape and location of the aneurysm

Symptoms

Brain aneurysms most frequently present for medical attention because they bleed, causing vague, non-specific symptoms such as headaches, visual problems, slowed mental processes, balance problems, etc. The majority of aneurysms that rupture do so without any preliminary signs or symptoms. Some effects that occur upon rupture are:

Onset of a "thunderclap" (sudden, extremely painful) headache

Stiff neck

Intolerance of bright light

Nausea and/or vomiting

Seizures

Sudden weakness

Loss of consciousness

If you experience a sudden and severe headache, seek immediate medical attention, as it possibly may signal SAH as the cause.

In about 20 percent of aneurysms that go on to rupture, a "warning leak" occurs several days before subarachnoid hemorrhage. In these patients, the warning headache may be much milder than the thunderclap. Small strokes or seizures also may occur.

Unruptured aneurysms can press on adjacent brain structures such as cranial nerves and cause symptoms such as cranial nerve palsy, dilated pupils, double vision and pain above and behind the eye.

Diagnosis

The advent of safe, noninvasive imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography (MRA) recently has led to an increasing number of unruptured brain aneurysms being discovered in patients who do not display symptoms (asymptomatic).

Typically, clinicians use these scans to evaluate unrelated conditions such as mild headaches, vertigo, sinusitis, head trauma. This incidental, early detection of an unruptured aneurysm may help guide treatment decisions by offering physicians the opportunity to diagnose, intervene, and manage the condition sooner.

Computed Tomography (CT) scan, which is most useful in larger subarachnoid hemorrhages and when done within 24 hours of the bleed

Lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, to detect blood in the spinal fluid

Cerebral angiogram

Treatment

Aneurysms that have ruptured require treatment to prevent rebleeding. Following the initial rupture of an aneurysm, rebleeding is very common, especially within the first two weeks after rupture, and is usually more severe than the initial rupture. The two treatment options are:

Surgical clipping of the aneurysm

Endovascular coiling: this procedure involves the insertion of platinum coils through a microcatheter into the aneurysm. These coils form a ball that excludes the aneurysm from the normal vessel. Occasionally a small flexible stent is placed in the vessel to hold the coils in the aneurysm.Endovascular coiling of an aneurysm

An experienced cerebrovascular neurosurgeon and an interventional neuroradiologist should review each patient's aneurysm to offer the most appropriate treatment for the patient's specific condition.

In contrast to managing a ruptured aneurysm, factors that complicate the decision whether to treat or monitor an unruptured aneurysm broadly divide into those affecting the "natural history" (the likelihood of rupture of the aneurysm) and those concerning the risks of treatment.

Influences on the natural history include patient factors such as:

Age

Sex

Preexisting medical conditions

Aneurysm characteristics also influence the natural history:

Size

Location

Shape

Presence of symptoms

The experience of the surgical team and the treating hospital are important factors in treatment risk.

Prevention

There is no known method to prevent the formation of aneurysms. The risk of rupture can be somewhat modified by:

Blood pressure control

Cessation of smoking

Cessation of drug abuse

Surgical or endovascular treatment

To learn more about Brain aneurysms and their treatment call the Mount Sinai Department of Neurosurgery at 212-241-2377.